Tour Operators The Travelling Naturalist and Bird Treks Report Guyana Trips Were Excellent

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – “Excellent” and “Unbelievable” are how two international birdwatching tour leaders summed up their recent trips to Guyana. Tim Earl, a Principal Leader for the UK-based tour operator The Travelling Naturalist, and Bob Schutsky of US-based Bird Treks both reported that their clients were very pleased with their November birdwatching trips to Guyana.

Both leaders first visited Guyana on a tourism product familiarization trip sponsored by the Guyana Sustainable Tourism Initiative (GSTI) – a joint project of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the United States Agency for International Development/Guyana Trade and Investment Support (USAID/GTIS) project. Earl came in 2006 and Schutsky in 2007.

This was Bird Trek’s first tour to Guyana and Schutsky said his seven American clients went home thrilled with what they experienced. “The people on this tour were very well-traveled around the globe and had been to most of the more popular birdwatching destinations,” Schutsky said during a post-trip interview. “Everybody agreed that Guyana has unbelievable habitat, birds, and wildlife.”

On the Bird Treks tour the group visited Georgetown, the Abary River, Kaieteur Falls, Iwokrama International Centre, Atta Rainforest Lodge and Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, Rock View Lodge, and Dadanawa Ranch.

Schutsky said trip highlights included seeing the endangered Red Siskin near Dadanawa, having good looks at the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock in three different locations, and the many bird species they saw at Atta Lodge, especially the Crimson Fruitcrow and White-plumed Antbird.

Speaking highly of Atta Rainforest Lodge, Schutsky said, “Several of my clients told me they would have liked to spend more time at Atta. The area produced a lot of our best birds and the eight new cabins are perfect. Atta has everything you need for excellent birdwatching.” The group also heard a jaguar right outside of camp at Atta but didn’t manage to see it in the early morning darkness.

Besides birds, Schutsky said his clients were also excited to see six species of monkeys, a freshwater stingray, creatures spotted on a nighttime boat ride, and many army ant swarms – particularly the one that produced six species of Woodcreepers and four of Antbirds.

Of their local guides, Schutsky said that overall the leadership was good. For the majority of the tour, Ron Allicock of Surama village acted as lead guide and Schutsky said he “is really special in his leading abilities.”
Asked if he noticed any progress in the tourism industry since his first trip to Guyana, Schutsky made comparisons to one of the world’s most popular eco-destinations. “Guyana reminds me of Costa Rica 20 years ago. I’ve led 40 tours to Costa Rica over the last 20 years and have watched them slowly smooth tourism over. Development is a long transition. You can’t do it in a year or in five years, but tourism in Guyana already has an excellent base.”

Earl reported that The Travelling Naturalist group left Guyana equally happy and just as impressed with the pristine habitat and wide array of flora and fauna. Earl said on this trip (he also led one for The Travelling Naturalist last year) he had eight clients from the UK and two from the US.

Their packed itinerary included stops at the Georgetown Botanical Gardens, Abary River, Arrowpoint Nature Resort, Kaieteur Falls, Iwokrama River Lodge, Atta Rainforest Lodge and Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, Surama village, Karanambu Lodge, and Baganara Island Resort.

Earl said popular bird species on their trip included the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, Long-winged Harrier, Crimson Topaz Hummingbird, Spotted Puffbird, and the many species of Macaws. Mammal highlights included a Giant Anteater with a baby, a family of Giant River Otters, Crab-eating Fox, and various bat species.

Since first visiting in 2006, Earl said he noticed many improvements within Guyana’s tourism, including better itinerary options, improved guides, and smoother logistics such as the timing of boats and transportation. Earl said new cultural presentations were also popular with the group, especially Surama’s presentation featuring village children singing about the importance of preserving the forest.

Earl already penned an article on his recent trip to Guyana for his “Tim on Tour” column that appears on the website, This is Guernsey.

In the article Earl writes, “There was no doubt that seeing a giant anteater was my guests’ most wanted wish on a recent trip to Guyana. What they saw on the savannah close to the Brazilian border was altogether unexpected and wonderful: a female carrying its baby on its back – a rare and exciting sight.”

Earl wrote about many other highlights including taking a boat down the Essequibo River to Parrot Island to watch hundreds of Amazon parrots fly in to roost for the night; a visit to the Georgetown Botanical Gardens that included hand-feeding grass to West Indian Manatees and seeing three of the world’s rarest birds – Blood-coloured Woodpecker, White-bellied Piculet and Festive Parrot; watching four Giant River Otters play in the Burro Burro River; and seeing seven Scarlet Macaws fly over the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway.

Bird Treks and The Travelling Naturalist are both offering Guyana tours for November 2010. To see their itineraries, visit www.birdtreks.com and www.naturalist.co.uk. To learn more about tourism in Guyana, visit www.guyanabirding.com and www.guyana-tourism.com.

Hurtigruten Gives New Meaning to The Term ‘Polar Bear Club’ — Offering Polar Water Dips at Both Poles for All Interested Guests

New York, NY – You don’t have to be a member of a polar bear club – those hardy groups of cold water plungers – to take advantage of Hurtigruten’s offers to enjoy a dip in the world’s coldest waters, whether in Antarctica, the Arctic’s Spitsbergen, Greenland, or Norway’s Vardø on the Barents Sea. “As far as sea conditions allow, our expedition team will ensure that the bravest of our guests are able to satisfy their thirst for adventure in the water,” states Hurtigruten product coordinator Jørn Henriksen. Ideal for those travelers who prefer to bring home more than t-shirts and tans, the dip in the polar waters is something that truly stands out when it comes to bragging – and the Polar Dip Certificate awarded to each participant provides needed verification.

During Antarctica’s summer months, guests aboard Hurtigruten’s deluxe expedition ship, MV Fram, can enjoy the remarkably refreshing icy waters of one of the largest natural harbours in the world — off the volcanic Deception Island. The average temperature of this natural ocean pool is a bracing zero degrees Celsius. However, geothermic activity does mean that bathers can occasionally feel a ‘comfortable’ current of water above freezing. During the North Pole’s summer, guests aboard the same ship can entertain a quick jump into the waters of Spitsbergen’s Magdelenefjord, avoiding the icebergs, of course; or for those spending 8 to 15 days exploring Greenland, a brief splash in the sea around Uummannaq, a small town 360 miles north of the polar circle and site of the annual Ice Golf World Championship. If a swim in ice-free waters is preferred (due solely to the Gulf Stream), Hurtigruten offers a Norwegian Coastal Voyage cruise extension that makes its way to Norway’s Vardø on the Barents Sea, where guests can float in a survival suit while their team leader dives for the evening’s meal of King Crab – a wonderful way to combine a sea frolic with the need to catch dinner.

As a leader in Expedition Cruising, Hurtigruten’s portfolio of adventure expeditions take guests to both ends of the world — where pristine environments, unique wildlife and stunning vistas are combined with the opportunity to learn from experts in numerous disciplines including geology, marine life, environment, history and culture.

Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from Hurtigruten Inc., www.hurtigruten.us; (800) 323-7436; fax (888)-524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day.

Mattheissen’s The Snow Leopard Trek

“A journey into the remote Upper Dolpo region of Nepal and the Crystal Monastery of Shey”

“Twelve years before, on a visit to Nepal, I had seen those astonishing snow peaks to the north; to close that distance, to go step by step across the greatest range on earth to somewhere called the Crystal Mountain, was a true pilgrimage, a journey of the heart.”–– Peter Matthiessen’s The Snow Leopard, 1979

Aspen, CO –Thirty years ago, acclaimed nature writer Peter Matthiessen wrote The Snow Leopard, one of the most acclaimed nature travel books ever written. One World Trekking, the adventure travel company with over 20 years experience trekking through the Himalaya, is thrilled to announce a commercial journey that follows the footsteps of Matthiessen and zoologist George Schaller in their peaceful, spiritual search for the elusive snow leopard of the Himalaya.

On September 7 through October 5, 2010, fans and followers of Matthiessen and his snow leopard odyssey will embark on a cultural journey and Himalayan exploration into the heart of Nepal’s remote Dolpo region. For 28 days, travelers walk through “the last enclave of pure Tibetan culture on earth,” ripe with pristine mountain vistas, high pass crossings and adventurous, challenging territory. We will walk along the depths of the sacred Phoksumdo Lake, cross four 5000-meter (17,000 foot) passes, visit the ancient Crystal Monastery at Shey, and travel the uncharted trail where Schaller spotted his snow leopard. Along the way we pass through traditional Nepali villages, and visit centuries-old monasteries and gompas–– some predating Buddhism––rarely seen by Western eyes.

This physically demanding, culturally rewarding, once in a lifetime trip is sure to be, in Mattheissen’s words, “a true pilgrimage, a journey of the heart.”

For over 20 years, the members of One World Trekking have been organizing, marketing, selling and guiding adventure travel tours all over the world. We offer unique, all-inclusive adventure travel trips dedicated to satisfying the adventure travelers’ appetite. For more information on this and other exciting trips around the world, log onto http://www.oneworldtrekking.com.

8 Savvy Safety Tips for Less Stressful Holiday Travel

Baja Whale Sampler – Kayaking Loreto Bay and Gray Whale Watching Combo Tour

Why this trip: Itinerary combines both coasts of Baja California, guaranteed gray whale sightings, snorkeling and kayaking in two of Mexico’s newest national parks – novices welcome; best value.

LORETO, BAJA CALIFORNIA — USA-based Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc. is offering an exciting trip package where participants can be eyeball-to-eyeball with a gray whale in Baja’s federally protected calving lagoons and paddle a kayak alongside dolphins and fin and blue whales in the clear waters of the Sea of Cortez. Their eight-day “Baja Sea Kayaking and Whale Watching Combo” itinerary, including travel days and hotel in Loreto, offers opportunities to get close to friendly whales, explore uninhabited desert islands by stable sea kayak and snorkel along isolated coves in clear turquoise waters – in essence to see the best of Baja, fully led by naturalist guides.
Clients fly from Los Angeles to Loreto one hour jet flight. From there they cross the Baja California peninsula to the Pacific coast into Magdalena Bay for the day to watch gray whales and their newly born calves at close range from the safety of motorized skiffs. Then back over to Loreto for five-days of sea kayaking and camping in Mexico’s newest national park – Loreto Bay National Marine Park – which serves as sanctuary for blue-footed boobies, fin and blue whales, dolphins and sea lions. UNESCO has declared the unique Sea of Cortez Islands a World Heritage Site. No prior kayaking experience is necessary – just good health and an eagerness for new experiences. Declares Nancy Mertz, vice president, “I grew up in Hawaii and have explored the Galapagos Islands and I believe Loreto Bay National Marine Park is truly on par with those marine parks”.
Weekly departures are scheduled from January 31 through March 14, 2010. The price of $1355 US dollars per person (double occupancy) includes three hotel nights in Loreto; all meals; all camping, sleeping and kayaking equipment; airport transfer and ground transportation, instruction and guides. Shorter trips are available too starting at $995 from Jan-April 2010. The company includes more guides and amenities in the tour price than any other Loreto outfitter, and fully offset carbon footprint; youth and repeat customer discounts available. Not included: air fare from Los Angeles, gratuities, meals in town, $25 park fee. For further information or reservations, contact Sea Kayak Adventures Inc. at (800) 616-1943 or go to www.seakayakadventures.com.

Adding CSR Value to Travel Discounts: Natural Habitat Adventures joins operators worldwide with ‘Eco-Pricing” initiative

Boulder, Colorado – In response to concerns from its operators and suppliers in remote destinations about the impact of diminishing ecotourism dollars during a tough economy, Natural Habitat Adventures worked with the small businesses to create a collaborative discount pricing strategy that encourages guest travel while supporting conservation measures. Branded as “Eco-Pricing,” the consumer discounts communicate the conservation impact of travel – central to the eco tour provider’s sustainable travel message – using the example of Natural Habitat Adventures “Great African Primate Expedition,” where tour dollars help protect Uganda’s mountain gorillas.

“We’re always looking for that next idea that will support our sustainable travel message,” says Natural Habitat Adventures founder and director Ben Bressler, whose company was first in the U.S. to go carbon neutral with all trips and office operations several years ago. “It suddenly hit us that in challenging economic times perhaps the biggest idea is the simplest: Lower prices mean more travel – which means more support for threatened places. And we appreciated the level of buy-in we received from our small lodge and camp operators; we were able to create a win-win situation.”

Bressler counts the new program, which adds a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) element to the pricing strategy, a success so far. “You’ll see our ‘Eco-Pricing’ logo all over our catalog and website, and we’ve had a great response to those efforts,” he says. “It’s not a discount for discount’s sake; it’s clearly tied to our broader environmental mission, and that deeper message seems to resonate with our guests.”

The new Eco-Pricing program offers significant savings on more than 25 of Natural Habitat Adventures’ small-group experiential nature expeditions, from a remote grizzly bear adventure in Alaska; to Peru’s biologically diverse Amazon; to secluded areas of Tanzania and Botswana.

Natural Habitat Adventures tours give back to the destinations they visit through local business support, conservation education and sustainable practices. A member of Adventure Collection and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and exclusive Conservation Travel Provider to World Wildlife Fund, the company’s recent awards include a 2009 Best Adventure Travel Company ranking from National Geographic Adventure and a 2009 World’s Best Tour Operator rating from Travel + Leisure. All Natural Habitat Adventures trips are carbon neutral. For information on the company, visit www.nathab.com.

Discounts of a decade for All Star Adventures 2010 trips.

All Star Adventures is offering holiday specials on surf tours, mountain bike trips, ski and snowboard camps, and skate camps.

Wonderful life experiences at amazing prices when purchased before the end of this year. All-Star customers can enjoy discounts on trips to Costa Rica, New Zealand, Argentina, and the United States. All-Star invites travelers to ring in a new year and kickoff another decade of action sports adventures. Since 1999 All Star Adventures has been the premier provider of instructional adventure travel. Make gift giving easy this holiday season; simply register online now and call or email to ask for your discount. Treat the ones you love and yourself to one of All Star Adventures’ Colorado Skate Camps, New Zealand Ski and Snowboard Camps, Powder Storming New Zealand tours, Argentina Ski and Snowboard Camps, Southern Utah Mountain Biking tours, Nevada Skateboarding Adventures or Costa Rica Surf Explorer trips. Save hundreds on Spring Break and Summer vacation trips in 2010 now through the end of this year.

To find departure dates and further details go to www.allstartrips.com.

About All Star Adventures

All Star Adventures specializes in unique travel to prime international locations with world class sports instruction for all levels. Offering first-class holiday destinations and encouraging you to expand your cultural and personal horizons All Star Adventures gives you an adventurous alternative to the regular holiday. Guests of an All Star trip are invited to realize their full potential, while enjoying a vacation and making new friends. The atmosphere of an All Star trip is relaxed, positive, and exciting, while the classes are fun-filled, patient, and never intimidating. The entire experience is geared toward helping guests maximize their pleasure while honing new skills you’ll draw upon for the rest of your life.

Trip guides include accomplished athletes in each focus sport.

All Star Adventures, the only comprehensive adventure tour company of its kind, offers a wide range of exciting, proprietary, instruction-based, adventurous alternatives to holiday travel, designed for today’s dynamic travelers. All trips include professional instruction, breathtaking destinations, innovative itineraries and unique accommodations. For more information about All Star Adventures, visit www.allstartrips.com or call toll-free within North America at 1.866.758.2267 or 1.970.372.4564 outside North America.

Computer Animation Not Just for Video Games—AIA Awards New Grant to Help Save Cultural Heritag

Project Will Use Technology to Recreate a Five-Thousand-Year-Old Chalcolithic Roundhouse in Cyprus

BOSTON — The Kissonerga archaeological sites in Cyprus will benefit from a Site Preservation Grant from the Archaeological Institute of America. The grant will finance the use of 3-D and computer animation technologies to complement the reconstruction of a five-thousand-year-old Chalcolithic roundhouse. AIA funds will support the filming of the physical reconstruction of the building and the creation of color 3-D computer imagery of the artifacts found in the house to give visitors a vibrant sense of the use of the building.

The reconstruction is part of a larger project led by Dr. Lindy Crewe of the University of Manchester to illuminate human experience in a single locality through time by investigating the nearly continuous occupation of Kissonerga Village from 10,000 years ago to the present. AIA President, Dr. C. Brian Rose, says, “This project is very exciting because it not only preserves the actual ruins, but allows visitors to immerse themselves more fully in prehistoric Cyprus using virtual reality so they can experience what life would have been like at that time.”

Prehistoric archaeological sites in Cyprus are frequently left out of the island’s narrative, and their low visibility makes them difficult to preserve given the rapid development of the island as a tourist destination. By using the latest 3-D and animation technologies to create tangible educational tools at Kissonerga, the project hopes to instill a greater appreciation for all periods of Cyprus’s occupation in both the local population and visitors. Dr. Paul Rissman, AIA Site Preservation Committee Chair notes, “Technology is playing a much more important role—not only preserving our heritage—but in providing new ways for people to experience archaeological sites and learn about the past first-hand.”

About AIA Site Preservation Program and Grants

The AIA Site Preservation Program emphasizes education, outreach, and best practices in archaeology, and is currently supporting preservation projects in Assos, Turkey, and Easter Island. In addition to grants, the AIA Site Preservation Program includes advocacy to help stop the unnecessary destruction of archeological sites, U.S. Troop education, outreach activities for children, online resources for the public and professionals, workshops, and awards for best practices. All aspects of the program, including the awarding of grants, are made possible through donations to the AIA. To learn more, please visit www.archaeological.org/sitepreservation.

About Archaeological Institute of America (AIA)

Founded in 1879, The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) is North America’s oldest and largest archaeological organization. Today, the AIA has nearly 200,000 members belonging to 107 local societies in the United States, Canada and overseas. The organization promotes public interest in the cultures and civilizations of the past, supports archaeological research, fosters the sound professional practice of archaeology, and advocates for the preservation of the world’s archaeological heritage. The organization hosts archaeological fairs, lectures and other events throughout North America; publishes Archaeology magazine and the American Journal of Archaeology; awards fellowships and honors; and leads global archaeological travel excursions.

For more information please contact:

Ben Thomas, AIA Director of Programs—bthomas@aia.bu.edu 617-353-8708
Meredith Anderson, AIA Site Preservation Program Coordinator—manderson@aia.bu.edu 617-358-6098